Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Ornate marble architecture at Agra Fort in India overlooking a hazy landscape with the Taj Mahal in the distance, showcasing the country's royal heritage.
India

President's Journey: The Royal Imprints of India

Program No. 25382RJ
See More Photos
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
Included
28 meals ( 12B, 7L, 9D )
7 expert-led lectures
25 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
4 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Delhi
President's Journey: The Royal Imprints of India
Nov 4 - Nov 18, 2027
Program Number 25382
Expand All
Activity Note
Depart North America on international flights to Delhi, India. Please refer to your individual air itinerary for exact departure and arrival times.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. There is no official programming today. Arrivals throughout the day and evening.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting to your room, take some time to freshen up and relax.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The hotel has three restaurants with varied dining options.
Evening:
At leisure, settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Jama Masjid Mosque has around 40 steep, wide steps with limited or no handrails. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty climbing. Jama Mosque provides gowns to be worn by women. Shoes must be removed; carrying an extra pair of socks is recommended. The bicycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi is through an extremely crowded market.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation 8:00 a.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions.

All transfers and transportation throughout the program will be conducted via motorcoach, and most field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless specified otherwise.

Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

After orientation, we will then head out to visit Old Delhi on our motorcoach. Driving past the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort, we’ll gain an appreciation for this symbol of Mughal power and pomp. Arriving at Jama Masjid, we will explore the largest mosque in India.

Later, we will embark on a delightful change of pace as we take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, a centuries-old market bazaar. Be amazed at the small narrow lanes and the flurry that surrounds this busy marketplace.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the motorcoach to explore India’s artistic traditions with a visit to the National Crafts Museum. This museum showcases a rich amalgamation of diverse craft traditions practiced across India and houses over 33,000 rare and distinctive pieces from various Indian states, including paintings, embroidery, textiles, sculptures, and crafts in clay, stone, and wood. We can experience live demonstrations by skilled artisans, providing insights into the intricate processes involved in creating handicrafts and textiles.
Dinner:
Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking at Gandhi Smirti is mainly on flat, level ground. Sikh Temple has around 20 wide steps with limited handrails. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty climbing. The Sikh Temple provides scarves to both men and women to cover the head. Neither location allows shoes, shorts or socks to be worn inside. Standing and walking for up to 1 hour in the Qutab Minar on stone walkways and uneven steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our morning with a motorcoach ride to Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of the finest monuments in India, soaring 237 feet into the sky. Construction began in 1192 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. The tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and remains one of the city's most iconic landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar has survived the ravages of time remarkably well.

Next, we depart to visit Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Museum), where we will learn from a local expert about the relevance of Gandhi in today's world. We will also have time to explore the museum grounds and learn more about Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation," who spent the last 144 days of his life here, from September 9, 1947, until his assassination on January 30, 1948.. The museum displays Gandhi’s few personal items as well as paintings, pictures, sculptures, and other relics. The memorial perpetuates Gandhi’s legacy and highlights his values and ideas.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue by motorcoach to a Sikh Gurudwara, where we will gain insight into the living culture and traditions of the Sikh faith. We will spend time listening to the prayers and observing daily life at this important place of worship. We will also visit the community kitchen, which provides free meals each day to anyone in need. As we explore the kitchen, those who wish may join the volunteers in preparing rotis, a traditional flatbread. Sikh temples are unique in that they are sustained entirely through volunteer service, known as seva, and community members generously contribute their time to support the temple and its outreach efforts.

Next, we board the motorcoach for an excursion through New Delhi. We will take in various sites, including India Gate—reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—a site that commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I; Parliament (Sansad Bhawan), the nation’s supreme legislative body; and President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India. En route, our Group Leader gives us an overview of the Indian System of Government, the world’s largest parliamentary democracy.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Agra in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 127 miles to Agra, approximately 4 hours total riding time with rest stops along the way. At the Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb in Agra, shoes need to be removed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and depart for Agra. En route, the Group Leader will introduce us to Indian history and discuss the impact of British rule on India. We’ll arrive at the hotel in Agra around midday.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We will spend the early afternoon at leisure, with time to relax, unwind, or explore the hotel grounds at our own pace. In the late afternoon, we’ll take our motorcoach on a field trip to the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, popularly known as the “Baby Taj.” It was the first monument in India built entirely in marble rather than red sandstone. The tomb was built from 1622 to 1628 by the Queen of Jahangir, Nurjahan, as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Its fascinating history chronicles the “rags to riches” saga of a poor merchant who rose to become chief minister of the Mughal emperor. The elaborately carved tomb in the Islamic style—like a jewel box set in a tranquil garden on the banks of the Yamuna River—was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal years later. Here we will be joined by a local expert to learn about Mughal architecture as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue enjoying the company of new Road Scholar friends, sharing your favorite experiences of the day.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Early morning wake-up call to depart for sunrise at Taj Mahal; weather conditions may delay visit until after breakfast. Both the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal involve long periods of standing, walking and a few small steps, low and wide. At the Taj Mahal, a short wait is expected at the entrance gate. Once inside, the walking exploration is around 1.5 hours with benches to rest throughout. Walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel after our early morning visit to the Taj Mahal.
Morning:
We will set out before dawn to watch the rising sun bathe the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal in warm hues of gold, ochre, and orange (subject to weather conditions). As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention states, “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. We will have some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated interior chamber before we return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we will set off to explore Agra Fort with our Group Leader. We’ll visit the important sections of the fort and learn about its historical significance. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, over a period of time the Agra Fort acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.

Our morning concludes with a unique cooking demonstration at a local family’s house.
Lunch:
At the residence, we’ll enjoy lunch made especially for us.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities in the first mailing. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 149 miles, approximately 6 hours riding time with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we will head west by motorcoach towards Jaipur and enroute learn about modern India from our Group Leader.

Along the way, we will stop to marvel at an architectural wonder in Abhaneri village, the Chand Baori Stepwell, one of the India’s hidden wonders. Chand Baori with its 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps and exquisite geometry which gave villagers multiple routes of access to the pools of water below, is one of the largest stepwells in the world. It was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat and was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue our drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel and have some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on mainly flat surfaces. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on contemporary women’s issues.

Next we board our motorcoach and begin to explore Jaipur. Our first stop will be for photos at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), located on the edge of the City Palace. Hawa Mahal allowed the royal ladies of the palace to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public.

We continue on to Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1727 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best-preserved in India.

Next, we will visit the City Palace. Although it is still the Maharaja’s residence, it has been largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in the City Palace.
Afternoon:
Free time. Jaipur is famous for its rich culture, traditional handicrafts, and lively open-air markets where you can buy local goods.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 16 miles roundtrip, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Getting in and out of jeeps at Amber Fort. The fort is situated on a hill and has several flights of stairs with uneven walkways. Walking approximately 1/2 mile throughout the fort.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For those interested, an early morning yoga session at the hotel will be followed by breakfast.

We will board our motorcoach to explore Birla Temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Constructed from white marble, its architecture combines modern style with traditional Hindu features, showcasing intricate sculptures that depict mythological stories and deities. This visit offers a deeper understanding of Hindu rituals and mythology, offering insight into its rich tapestry and profound spiritual teachings.

After the temple, we will explore a Blue Pottery workshop in Sanganer to learn about the intricate process of creating this traditional Jaipur craft.

We then board our motorcoach and return to our hotel.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
After lunch, and mid-afternoon, we will board our motorcoach and set out for Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort, set in rugged hills approximately six miles from Jaipur. At Amber Fort, we will learn about the construction of this ancient citadel, which began in 1592. The formidable exterior of red sandstone and white marble with its terraces and ramparts is reflected in Maota Lake. The fabulous interiors are a blend of Hindu and Mughal art and architecture. These former royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glass work, complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

Afterwards, we will return to the hotel and relax before heading out to dinner.
Dinner:
At a historic former palace.
Evening:
After dinner, we experience the rich traditions of Rajasthan through a colorful folk and cultural performance at the palace.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 148 miles, about 6 hours riding time with stops along the way. Getting on/off a boat to our hotel on Lake Pichola.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will check out and board our motorcoach for our drive to Udaipur. En route, we’ll learn from the Group Leader about the changing faces of Indian villages.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route to Udaipur.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue by motorcoach to Udaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll take the Taj Lake Palace boat to get to our hotel. The Taj’s Lake Palace in Udaipur is the first of Taj’s Grand Paces, a white-marble castle located on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. It attained global fame as the secluded lair of the eponymous “Bond Girl” in the James Bond film ‘Octopussy.’ The award-winning Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, with its illustrious 275-year history, is one of the world’s most photographed hotels.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a boat to Udaipur City Palace. Entrance to the Jagdish Temple is approximately 100 stairs with handrails for support. The temple is on a hilltop within the city. Afternoon boat ride approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will explore the City Palace. This impressive structure, constructed from granite and marble, stands grandly atop a ridge, providing breath-taking vistas of the cerulean waters of Lake Pichola and the ethereal Lake Palace. This complex was expanded by successive rulers over four centuries. It includes several palaces, including the Feteh Prakesh Palace that house the crystal gallery and the Jagdish Temple.

We will explore the palace complex, including the renowned Crystal Gallery, an awe-inspiring collection of crystal unparalleled in scale and elegance. Next, we walk up to Jagdish Temple, one of the grandest in Udaipur, built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is the largest temple of its type in Rajasthan.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time.

In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola with our group leader, providing an opportunity to experience the city's stunning architecture and scenery from the lake.
Dinner:
We will enjoy a private dinner at an exclusive venue.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and our flight to Mumbai in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach. Drive of approximately 15 miles to the airport (about 40 minutes). Flight time is under 2 hours. Drive of approximately 15 miles to the hotel (about 1 hour). Dharavi requires comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking through narrow lanes. Please be aware that photography is strictly prohibited in certain areas.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will check out and transfer by motorcoach to the Udaipur Airport where we will board a flight to Mumbai.
Lunch:
On your own at the airport.
Afternoon:
Our journey through India concludes in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, India’s commercial capital and home to the world-famous Bollywood film industry. We’ll enjoy the vibrancy of this city, known for its mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and the heart of Indian cinema. Here, we will see firsthand how modern India harmoniously blends with its rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, we will transfer by motorcoach to our hotel. En route to the hotel, we will embark on an unusual yet rewarding field trip to Dharavi, Mumbai’s giant slum. While “slums” often evoke thoughts of poverty, this outing offers a real eye-opener, especially regarding Mumbai’s Dharavi. The epicenter of Mumbai’s economic growth isn't behind skyscraper facades but in this rundown neighborhood. The residents here may not be suit-clad businessmen, but they are owners of multimillion-dollar companies. These are the people of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums.

Late afternoon, check-in at the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2-3 miles today. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the nearby Gateway of India, a majestic 85-foot-tall arch monument in Mumbai that symbolizes both the peak and the end of British colonial rule in the country.

Next, we board our motorcoach for Mumbai sightseeing with our Group Leader. We drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an impressive Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage Site that replaced the original station of India’s first train station in 1853. With its elaborate carvings, spires, turrets, and stained glass, it resembles a palatial complex rather than a train station.

We continue on to explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, which houses about 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history and foreign artifacts, categorized into art, archaeology, and natural history sections.

We will continue our drive to Dhobi Ghat, India India's largest open-air laundry, where Dhobis wash Mumbai’s clothes. With most of the city’s washing done here, these men are aptly called the “Washing Machines” of Mumbai.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Mumbai. For those interested, there is the Crawford Market along the seafront around the hotel. Refer to the Free Time Suggestions in the first mailing packet or connect with the Group Leader for suggestions.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures home tomorrow afternoon and evening.
Activity Note
Morning exploration will take place between 5:15-9:15 a.m. The hotel is booked for the full night for those with late night departures or departures the next day. Luggage may be left in your room until check-out. Walking today (1 mile) in total.
Breakfast:
At the hotel after our morning walk. This concludes our program.
Morning:
Before breakfast, we will head out with our Group Leader on a walking discovery of Mumbai. Experiencing Mumbai at dawn provides a rare glimpse into the authentic city beyond its glossy facades and urban boardrooms. The early morning unveils Mumbai’s industrious spirit vividly. We’ll discover the myriad stories of individuals propelled by the pursuit of a better life, shaping Mumbai as a city known for its hard work, productivity, relentless energy, and perpetual motion. We will witness firsthand the determination and resilience of its people, as the city awakens, animated by diligent newspaper distributors, bustling flower markets, lively fish markets, and dedicated exercisers, all harmonizing to create Mumbai’s distinct rhythm.

We will return to the hotel for breakfast.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time to do what interests you. Pack and prepare for your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning. The hotel is booked for the full night tonight.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
Evening check-out for late night or early morning flights tomorrow.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Activity Note
Latest hotel check-out is 12:00 Noon today for those with later flights home.
Morning:
For those leaving later, hotel check-out is 12:00 noon today.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.